PHOENIX — Troy Tulowitzki delivered the game’s biggest swing. With two outs in the fifth, the Rockies shortstop laced a three-run double to right-center off Brandon McCarthy. The Rockies took a comfortable two-run lead that the bullpen protected with a clenched fist.

SAN FRANCISCO — It would be difficult for Todd Helton to get off to a worse start, a slump magnified by his age (39) and his diminished production last season.

Helton is not starting in the series finale Wednesday against the Giants. Manager Walt Weiss said that was the result of a day game after a night game, and his desire to keep Jordan Pacheco, one of the team’s better hitters, involved. Helton is hitless in his last 13 at-bats, and is 2-for-20 overall. The Rockies have protected him against left-handers (he’s 0-for-1), which is another reason he’s not starting against Barry Zito.

“I think it’s just one of those times that you go through as a hitter. I don’t think it has to do with his skills. We saw him swing the bat all spring and he was as good as he’s ever been, so I don’t have any doubt that it’s still there,” Weiss said.

Weiss also gave center fielder Dexter Fowler his first day off this season. He’s been the Rockies’ best player, leading the team with four home runs. He is 1-for-6 against lefties this year and is .217 hitter against Zito in 23 at-bats.

“Dexter isn’t going to play 162 games. Dexter is one of he best in the game in center. But this seemed like a good day (to rest him),” Weiss said.

The Rockies are looking to avoid a sweep at AT&T Park. If that sounds familiar, it’s because it is. The Rockies have dropped eight straight at China Basin. And they’ve lost eight consecutive overall to the Giants. Matt Belisle took the blame for Tuesday’s loss, “saying this one is on me.” But there was plenty of blame to assign given Juan Nicasio’s five walks, including two to open the sixth when he lost the grip on his fastball, Adam Ottavino’s meaty fastball to Brandon Crawford on a 2-0 count and the Rockies’ meager four hits.

Weiss was clear on his goal Wednesday.

“I don’t think there are moral victories. Playing well isn’t enough. We need a W,” Weiss said.

It won’t be easy. The Giants have won the last 15 times Zito has started. The left-hander is 10-0 with a 3.18 ERA during this stretch, which includes the playoffs. The last time the Giants won 16 games started by the same pitcher was with Carl Hubbell from July 17-Sept. 30, 1936.

[media-credit id=149 align=”aligncenter” width=”495″][/media-credit] The seagulls began circling the AT&T Park field in the sixth inning Tuesday. Alfred Hitchcock might as well have directed the suspense and horror inflicted on the Rockies’ bullpen.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Rockies have been awful in San Francisco. They are 10-28 at AT&T Park since 2009. They have been outscored by the Giants by 55 runs over the past two seasons. If Colorado is going to become competitive again it must close the gap on the champs.

That’s what makes Tuesday’s loss so disappointing. The Rockies were in position to win. They owned a four-lead after five innings. Then the bullpen dissolved before their eyes, allowing nine hits and five runs in a demoralizing 9-6 loss to the Giants.

“I don’t know why it keeps happening (here), but we are tired of it,” said reliever Matt Belisle, who did not escape the relief corps damage. “We are going to keep battling. This is a new, fresh team. I am not worried about us. But, we need to make a statement (Wednesday).”

The quick turnaround in the 1:45 p.m. game offers a reprieve, but this defeat could linger given how it unfolded. The trouble began in the sixth when starter Juan Nicasio matched his career-high of five walks with consecutive free passes. He said that he couldn’t get a feel for his fastball, that he struggled with the grip. There was no injury, but the results were uneven at best.

“If you can’t command your fastball, you can’t do well up here,” said Nicasio, shaking his head. “Five walks. That’s way too much. I can’t have that.”

Adam Ottavino had an opportunity to provide a life raft, but was ambushed by the Giants’ Brandon Crawford. Ottavino fell behind the shortstop 2-0. Moments before Troy Tulowitzki reminded the reliever to challenge hitters, to make them earn it. Crawford kept his hands back on an outside fastball and launched it over the left-field fence. It was the first opposite-field home run of his career, and stunned Ottavino who was heading to back up third base when the ball was hit.

“I knew he hit it well, but I didn’t expect that. I wasn’t trying to be too fine with that pitch. To hit the ball out here and to that part of the park, you have to give him credit,” said Ottavino, who has figured prominently in two of the Rockies’ three losses this season. “I was in there for eight pitches. It just happened so fast.”

Added Giants manager Bruce Bochy on the home run, “It gave us life. It isn’t easy to do in this ballpark. He’s a strong kid. It’s something that we needed being down like we were. It just gave us a huge lift.”

Belisle, typically the Rockies most reliable reliever, could not turn off the faucet. He allowed a run-scoring single to Pence in the sixth, and after a clean seventh, wore the loss in the eighth when Andres Torres doubled and scored on Angel Pagan’s single that nearly struck Belisle in the face.

“This loss is on me,” Belisle said. “I can’t give up a double in that situation, and it was a very poorly executed pitch to Pagan.”

Manager Walt Weiss expressed confidence in Ottavino following the loss. The right-hander is viewed as an important bridge to the setup crew, but his early struggles have created concern.

The Rockies were out-hit 14-4, but took advantage of Tim Lincecum’s wildness to build a 6-2 lead. Lincecum walked Wilin Rosario and Nicasio, igniting a five-run second inning. Dexter Fowler roped a two-run double and Josh Rutledge delivered a two-RBI single. Tulowitzki added his third home run in the fifth, a monster shot halfway up the bleachers in left field.

In the end, it muddied Lincecum’s line, but couldn’t change the final outcome.

“It always feels good when the team wins, but you go back to the chalkboard after every start. I guess that second inning really was a doozy for me,” Lincecum said. “Eliminating the walks and just becoming more competitive probably would have made that inning a lot easier for me.”

[media-credit id=149 align=”alignnone” width=”495″][/media-credit] Juan Nicasio delivers a pitch against the Royals on Tuesday in Surprise, Ariz. The right-hander allowed one run in five innings, throwing 46 strikes in 80 pitches.

At Surprise Stadium

SURPRISE, ARIZ. — Glimmers. Snapshots.
That’s what the Rockies’ fans are looking for from the rotation this spring. Reasons to have hope. Juan Nicasio provided a glimpse in the fifth inning Tuesday, executing a pitch he rarely threw last season, and when did, it wasn’t very good.

With runners on second and third, a rally bubbling, the right-hander unleashed a full-count changeup to strike out all-star Alex Gordon. Why is that pitch so big?

“Because I play at Coors Field. I need something besides my fastball to get them,” Nicasio said. “It’s about 83 to 84 (miles per hour) so it can be really good for me.”

Following the game, manager Walt Weiss confirmed what has been known: Nicasio is in the rotation. He hasn’t decided when he will pitch. Weiss also said that the Rockies will not skip a starter because of the April 4 off day, meaning they will open with a five-man rotation.

Nicasio could be a big part if he pitches like he did Tuesday, using the off-speed pitch in big counts.

That’s because Nicasio owns an overpowering fastball. He struck out the Royals’ Eric Hosmer twice on high fastballs in the mid 90s. The right-hander’s best outing left him pining for the regular season when he’s likely to pitch the third game in Milwaukee, following Jhoulys Chacin and Jorge De La Rosa.

“I am ready to go,” Nicasio said.

Against a near-opening day lineup for the Royals, Nicasio’s line provided a compelling argument. He worked five innings, allowing three hits and one run on Mike Moustakas’ 400-foot shot to right field. He threw 80 pitches, 46 for strikes.

“That was some good stuff,” outfielder Michael Cuddyer said.

HITS: Yorvit Torrealba has always owned modest statistics, but as a Rockie possessed the ability to hit in the clutch. He has hit well this spring in limited action as the Rockies seem more intent on showcasing Ramon Hernandez to potential suitors. Torrealba delivered a game-tying single in the fifth inning. … Michael Cuddyer enjoyed a strong day defensively, posting two assists. He threw out Billy Butler trying to advance from first to third in the fourth inning, firing a one-hop shot to DJ LeMahieu. Butler is one of the slower players in the American League, but it was still a perfect throw. “I didn’t think he was going to go,” Cuddyer said. … Matt Belisle worked out of trouble in the bottom of the sixth, inducing a 6-4-3 double play groundball. … Outfielder Corey Dickerson keeps hanging around in big-league camp because he keeps hitting. He delivered two doubles.

MISSES: Josh Rutledge sank into a mini-slump after a blistering start. He entered Tuesday’s game hitting .212 and had a forgettable at-bat in the fifth inning. With runners at first and second and no outs, he popped up to second base. Torrealba picked up his teammate with his RBI single. … DJ LeMahieu. locked in a battle with Jonathan Herrera for a final bench spot, committed an error at third base, trying to step back on a groundball with top spin. LeMahieu, however, singled in a run in the fifth. … Troy Tulowitzki grounded into a double play and struck out with runners in scoring position.

UP NEXT: It is an off day for almost all players. Jeff Francis is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game and Jorge De La Rosa, Christian Friedrich and Miguel Batista will throw side sessions.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Despite a bruised left big toe, right-hander Jhoulys Chacin will start Saturday afternoon’s Cactus League game at the Oakland A’s. However, center fielder Dexter Fowler will miss his second straight game because of a sore right ankle.

“No use rushing back, I want to make sure it’s strong for the season,” Fowler said, noting that he rolled his ankle three times during the 2012 regular season.

Though the ankle is taped, Fowler insists the injury is not a big deal.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — The Rockies have mapped out their pitching for the first week of spring training games, with Drew Pomeranz starting Saturday’s opener against the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields.

Jhoulys Chacin, who will be leaving the team to compete in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela, is scheduled to pitch Tuesday in Mesa against the Chicago Cubs. That would leave him time to make one more start before exiting to join Venezuela’s rotation in the WBC. Rockies’ starters are scheduled for two innings in their first appearances.

“I should be be able to get ready. We have already been throwing 60 pitches in our bullpen sessions,” Chacin said.

All rotation candidates are starting the first week, save for Christian Friedrich. The left-hander remains behind the other pitchers as he deals with back and neck stiffness. The middle relievers are scheduled for one-to-innings, depending on pitch count. Closer Rafael Betancourt is not listed as pitching the first week, but he threw on Tuesday and is fine, according to the team.

The Rockies have reached a difficult spot with Esmil Rogers, mirroring the scenarios of Franklin Morales and Felipe Paulino a year ago. They have been unable to get Rogers straightened out, leading the club to revisit trade opportunities that it explored last winter. At least two American League teams are scouting Rogers, who has struggled mightily in the Rockies’ bullpen and remains out of minor-league options.

Pittsburgh had mild interest last winter.

Rogers has a live arm, regularly reaching 95 mph. But he has very little deception in his delivery and struggles with consistency, ranging from brilliant (see bases loaded strikeout of Matt Kemp) to awful. Rogers was hit hard in Thursday’s loss, and has really no role anymore in the Rockies’ pen as he can’t be trusted even in low-leverage situations. The Rockies could use another dependable right-hander with Matt Belisle clearly not as sharp after carrying a heavy workload the first five weeks. Zach Putnam has pitched well in Triple-A.

While Rogers no doubt has talent, teams aren’t willing to offer much in return for the right-hander — like a Class-A fringe prospect — because he can’t be optioned to the minors.

Hits: Tim Wheeler cranked a two-run, walk-off homer in the ninth to lift the Rockies to victory. It was his first homer of spring. All told, the Rockies had 17 hits. … Reliever Matt Belisle, the Rockies’ right-handed set-up man, looks primed and ready for the regular season. In five spring appearances (6 1/3 innings) he has yet to allow a run and has been touched for just four hits. Belisle pitched 1 1/3 innings today, allowing one hit. … Andrew Brown, who could stick if the Rockies keep five outfielders, drilled a double in the fourth, then led off the sixth with a homer to left. … Eric Young Jr., also battling to find a roster spot as a reserve outfielder, was 2-for-3 and drove in a run in the fourth. … Todd Helton might not have any foot speed, but the veteran first baseman still has pop in his bat. He lined a loud single off the right-field wall in the second. … Jordan Pacheco continued his most excellent spring, lining a double to left in the seventh. He has five doubles and a homer. His bat and versatility make a lock to make the team as a utility player. … Outfield prospect Tyler Colvin hit his first homer — a two-run, opposite-field shot to left in the eighth.

SCOTTSDALE — The Rockies’ rotation will begin its American Idol-type auditions this week, attempting to narrow the candidates.

Close your eyes at the end of spring training and you can practically see pitching coach Bob Apodaca telling the top five, “You’re going to Houston.”

Five weeks from opening day, the competition begins in earnest, starting with Friday’s 6-to-8 inning intrasquad game. Juan Nicasio continues his remarkable recovery by pitching in Sunday’s intrasquad game. His first official game since breaking his neck on Aug. 5 will be Friday against Oakland at Salt River Fields. The schedule:

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jim Tracy’s contract extension brought congratulations and confusion this morning. Several players interviewed were pleased to learn that their manager has a new “handshake” agreement, but were unsure what “indefinite” entailed.

“What does that mean? I have never heard of that,” reliever Matt Belise said. “But what it says to me is the confidence that they have him. They have worked hard to change the clubhouse culture, and they believe and trust him to be captain of this ship. I like the idea of knowing he’s going to be here for a long time.”

Troy Tulowitzki celebrates his 30th home run of the season Tuesday in the eighth inning against Arizona.

Troy Tulowitzki already has obliterated his career high in RBIs and is on course to shatter his personal best in home runs, too.

About the only thing he hasn’t done this season is hit Arizona pitching. Tulo was hitting .113 (6-for-53) vs. the D-Backs going into Labor Day. So what happens? He gets warmed up with a three-run ninth-inning home run on Monday, then hits another three-run shot in the eighth inning of tonight’s 8-3 win.

Tulowitzki’s 30th home run _ his career high is 32 _ gave him 103 RBIs, five more than his previous career best. The shot to center field off David Hernandez was the key hit in the Rockies’ seven-run rally, with all seven runs scoring with two outs.

The Rockies, just as they do every Sunday, played a ballgame today. Now that the unimportant part is out of the way, let’s get to the heart of the matter.

CarGo is OK.

After several minutes of writhing in pain on the warning track in the seventh inning, Carlos Gonzalez was carted off the field to chants of “Let’s go Car-Go!’’ For all anyone knew, the Rockies’ playoff hopes were riding with him.

CLEVELAND — Barely a year ago, Ubaldo Jimenez threw the first no-hitter in Rockies history, but his manager, Jim Tracy, had more than a few mixed emotions about it.

Why? Because, in an era in which pitch counts are considered almost as important as the men who produce them, he left Jimenez on the mound for 128 pitches in an early-season game.

Tracy thought he was walking down the same road tonight during the Rockies’ 4-3 win over the Indians at Progressive Field. Except this time, it involved another of the Rockies’ dynamite young pitchers, Jhoulys Chacin.

With the Rockies leading the Padres 6-2 and the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, manager Jim Tracy elected to let reliever Rex Brothers hit. Or, more to the point, watch three pitches sail past him in his first major league at-bat.

No, Tracy hasn’t forgotten how to manage. He could hear fans boo. And he knows all about the ongoing seven-run promotion — the Rockies had six at the time — that gets fans cheap tacos from a certain fast-food chain.

Trouble was, he already had used Matt Lindstrom and Matt Belisle and Rafael Betancourt were unavailable because their tanks were running on empty. So it was that Seth Smith was standing in the mouth of the dugout, but never made a pinch-hitting appearance.

“As the days go by and you continue to see what’s taking place on the field, he’s playing himself into strong consideration to be a 2011 all-star. It’s real easy for me to suggest that,’’ said Tracy. “And it goes without saying that he has to be a very keen candidate right now for the comeback player of the year award.’’

Helton crashed and burned in 2010, battling back issues and leg weakness for most of the season. By the time his worst major league season had finally ended, he had hit .256 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs in 398 at-bats.

This year? Try .322 with a pace for 21 homers and 72 ribbies. Oh, and did we mention he has 14 doubles, putting him on pace to obliterate last year’s total of 18?

MIAMI — The Rockies could have flown into South Florida on Thursday, but left Denver after Wednesday afternoon’s win over the Giants.

Yes, it was by design.

“We need to enjoy each other more on the road this year,” said Rockies manager Jim Tracy.

The Rockies finished 31-50 on the road last season, when they hit .226, scored fewer than four runs a game, and were walked off 10 times. Feel free to envision a stressed-out team that needed an attitude adjustment away from Coors Field in 2011.

The team charter landed at 1:30 a.m., but the players, after grabbing some sleep, found themselves with an entire day off in South Florida after shivering through several days of 40-degree temperatures in Denver.

“From the standpoint of his timing and mechanics, he’s out of sync,” Tracy said from the Rockies’ dugout before Tuesday night’s game. “The only thing that will help is a bunch of at-bats in a row.”

Stewart injured his right knee in the team’s first spring training game, then got shuttled around between minor-league spring starts. In this young season, he’s hitting .077 with 11 strikeouts in 26 at-bats.

“When I talked to him last night,” Tracy said, “I made it clear it’s not a punishment. With the amount of spring starts he lost, he hasn’t been right.

“I hope he understands that he’ll be back.”

Stewart’s sending down leaves the Rockies short on bench players. Read more…

PITTSBURGH — Ty Wigginton’s bases-clearing double in the eighth inning gave the Rockies a 6-4 victory over the Pirates tonight. Now for the few words about the guy who put the Rockies in position to make Wigginton’s double meaningful.

Greg Reynolds.

Reynolds, called up from Triple A Colorado Springs to start in place of Ubaldo Jimenez, is trying to pick up the pieces of an injury-plagued career. His start was supposed to be about cleaning up the back of his baseball card after a forgettable 2-8, 813 debut in 2008.

Hits: Troy Tulowitzki slugged his fourth home run of the spring. It could be a good omen for a player who has traditionally struggled in April. Tulowitzki hit .304 last April, but had only one home run. … The Rockies averaged 10,598 fans per game at Salt River Fields, totaling a franchise-record 169,569 for the spring. … Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez hustled out of the box on a hard first-inning single to right, easily making it to second when the outfielder mishandled the ball.

Hits: Jhoulys Chacin worked five innings, allowing four hits and one run. His snapshot moment came in the third when, after hitting Drew Stubbs with a pitch and walking Brandon Phillips, he got N.L. MVP Joey Votto to ground out to first on a curveball. … Jordan Pacheco was 0-for-9 before doubling and singling in consecutive at-bats. Pacheco, who is getting a long look behind the plate, also threw out Phillips trying to steal in the first. … Rafael Betancourt, Franklin Morales and Rex Brothers all threw a scoreless inning out of the bullpen. Morales hasn’t allowed a run and has walked only one in five innings. … The win improved the Rockies’ Cactus League record to 12-6. … B game alert: Ian Stewart went 2-for-4 vs. the Angels at Tempe in his first game action since the Cactus League opener. … John Maine, meanwhile, pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and two runs.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.